The Pirate softball team lost 17-4 to Red Lake Falls Tuesday with the Eagles posting four runs in the fifth and eight in the seventh for the lopsided win.

Crookston trailed just 5-2 going into the fifth inning but Red Lake Falls exploded in two of the final three innings.

"We played well despite the score," Pirate head coach Katie Lariviere said. "We battled back and played all seven innings. It came down to that one inning again and a few mental mistakes with the other team also timing their hits. With a day of practice, finally tomorrow we'll work on the little things we can correct as a team."

Freshman Macy Strem was great at the plate, going 3-of-3 with two RBI, while freshman Brooke Cymbaluk had two hits.

"Brooke Cymbaluk is showing patience up at the plate and getting some nice hits to start the week and advance runners," Lariviere said. "Danica (Brekken) had a strong defensive game at short and showed great leadership."

"Macy pitched well, going all seven innings," coach Lariviere said. "She was also 3 for 3 at the plate. It's good to see her improving every game and confidence level going up."

Red Lake Falls also committed three errors. Kadie Amiot pitched a complete game, allowing two earned runs on nine hits and two walks. She struck out six.

Cassidy Lemonds was 4-of-5 at the plate with four runs scored. Jenna Nelson had three hits with three RBI, while Stephanie Doyle had two hits and four RBI.

Crookston drops to 1-9 on the season and will travel to Roseau, Minn. Thursday for a doubleheader with the Rams. On Saturday, the Pirates will host a tournament with games against Barnesville at 10 a.m., East Grand Forks at noon and Fertile-Beltrami at 2 p.m.